[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
December, which wraps up the year, becomes even more beautiful with illuminations lighting up and sometimes snow falling.
There are plenty of events too, like Christmas and New Year’s countdown concerts.
Around this time every year, you hear more Christmas songs and winter tunes on TV and in the streets.
In this article, we’ll introduce winter songs perfect for December, including the latest tracks! From songs that hype up your events to Christmas-themed pieces that warm a chilly heart, enjoy a variety of Japanese winter songs!
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[Songs to Listen to in December] J-Pop and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (21–30)
The Christmas loner cancel crowd!AMPTAKxCOLORS
AMPTAKxCOLORS is a six-member vocal group active on YouTube and streaming platforms.
Released in December 2024, this work is a Christmas song written, composed, and arranged by Kiichi Tsurusaki.
The confession scene that opens with a cheerful “Merry Christmas,” along with the fantastical imagery of riding a reindeer through the night sky, is utterly charming.
Its catchy chorus and mix of English phrases heighten a pop, romantic Christmas mood.
The music video, featuring red-and-white Santa outfits, is dazzling, and the song is sure to encourage anyone hoping to spend Christmas with someone they love.
Christmas wishesSnow Man
A heartwarming Christmas number that sings of the happiness of spending a special winter day with someone you love.
As Snow Man’s first Christmas song, it’s included as a coupling track on their fifth single, “Secret Touch.” Bright pop sounds are embellished with an elegant saxophone solo, infusing the piece with party-like splendor and a celebratory spirit.
The lyrics weave in scenes of starlight pouring down, sparkling illuminations, and gently falling snow, warmly expressing gratitude and wishes for a beloved person.
This uplifting, feel-good track is perfect as background music for a Christmas party or an illumination date.
orionYonezu Kenshi
Riding the shogi boom, the hugely popular anime March Comes in Like a Lion, based on Chica Umino’s original work, featured in its second season the ending theme Orion, the sixth single released by Kenshi Yonezu in 2017.
As the title suggests, it’s a song written with the winter-constellation Orion as its motif.
It’s a winter love song that gently brings to mind a clear, star-filled sky in the crisp winter air and fills you with warmth.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at Orion.
SNOW SMILEShimizu Shota
This heartwarming winter song portrays the joy of two people who live far apart finally reuniting, and the bittersweet parting that eventually follows.
Released in November 2014 as Shota Shimizu’s 17th single, it also became well-loved as an insert song for Ikspiari’s projection mapping show “Christmas Carol Clock.” The music video, featuring Nana Komatsu and Kentaro as a couple, drew attention for its sweet-and-sour storyline.
Blending R&B and pop, the sound perfectly suits the crisp winter air.
It’s a recommended track not only for those in long-distance relationships, but for anyone who wants to feel someone’s warmth in the cold season.
Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI
A winter song overflowing with the fantasy-like worldview characteristic of SEKAI NO OWARI at the time.
Written specifically as the 2013 JR SKISKI commercial song, it remains a highly popular track people love to listen to in winter.
The lyrics tell the story of an encounter with a snow fairy living in a country where it snows all year round, giving it a very romantic and charming feel.
Both the lyrics and the overall mood are perfect for Christmas, so be sure to give it a listen when December comes!
Winter BenchShido
SID is a rock band that continues to captivate fans with emotionally rich vocals and a diverse musical palette, remaining highly active even beyond their 20th anniversary.
Their 10th major-label single, released in December 2011, is a track known for heightening anticipation for the album M&W.
The catchy melody composed by drummer YUYA pairs exquisitely with Mao’s warm lyrics set on a winter morning.
At the time of release, actor Riki Takeuchi appeared in a commercial, which also drew attention for its unique bench-press scene.
Even in the harsh cold season, this work conveys the preciousness of time spent with someone important.
It’s a heart-lifting love song perfect for listening on the way to a winter date or when you want to get hyped for an event.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
This song, which enjoys immense popularity as a winter anthem, isn’t by Southern All Stars but is actually one of Keisuke Kuwata’s signature solo tracks.
It’s a classic that always comes up as a must-listen in winter! The bell and string tones that evoke the season are beautiful, while the lyrics, which depict a sorrowful love, gently seep into the heart.
On top of that, Kuwata’s sexy, husky voice further amplifies the poignant world of the lyrics.
Many listeners are deeply moved by the story told in the song, so you should immerse yourself in its world, too.